LOS ANGELES — Alexis Funaki connected for four hits, Alex Battest and Morgan Giusti doubled, but the Occidental softball team slow down the Leopards' bats, dropping two games to second place La Verne Saturday at Bell Field. 

Game 1: La Verne 7, Occidental 0

Funaki got the start in the circle for the Tigers, pitching 5.1 innings to go along with her two hits. The first year from Encinitas, CA ranks third on the Tigers with 29 hits. 

The Tigers best chance to score came in the bottom of the second. With Cora Roberts on first after reaching on a fielder's choice, senior designated player Morgan Giusti blasted a double to right center, sending Roberts to third.

Captain Mariah Montgomery stepped up next and grounded into a fielder's choice with La Verne pitcher Katherine Kibbe throwing out Roberts at the plate. Kibbe struck then out Dallas Gunny to end the threat.

Bailey Stevens had two hits, one to lead off the second and another in the bottom of the sixth.

Game 2: La Verne 10, Occidental 3

Trailing 3-0 in the fourth, the Tigers mounted a comeback in the fourth led off by a double to center field from Battest. Kasi Whitaker stepped into run for the junior, and Funaki came up to the plate next with an infield single that sent Whitaker to third.

Stevens executed a perfect sacrifice fly to center to bring home Whitaker for Oxy's first run.

Later in the inning pinch hitter Cayman Hunter made the most of her lone at bat to load the bases with Funaki and Gunny in scoring position.

Natalie Glover brought in Funaki and Gunny to cap off a three-run inning for Oxy.

But that was as close as the Tigers would get as La Verne hit to long balls to help pull away for the win.

Season Impact: The Tigers fall to 10-24 and 6-16.

La Verne improves to 24-9 and 20-3.

Next Game: The Tigers play a double header today at Cal Lutheran beginning at noon.